The Dallas Mavericks have reached a preliminary agreement on a site for a new arena and entertainment district outside of downtown Dallas for the first time in franchise history.

The team confirmed the agreement covers 104 acres at the former site of the Valley View mall, which was demolished three years ago.

The proposed site sits approximately 13 miles north of downtown Dallas, representing a significant geographical shift for the organisation.

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, who was hired specifically to lead the arena project, informed city manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert of the team’s decision on Monday.

The tentative plan calls for the new arena to be completed by July 28, 2031, when the team’s lease at the American Airlines Center is set to expire.

The city had previously pitched the team on remaining in downtown Dallas, but the Mavericks held several concerns about that proposal, including whether the July 2031 deadline could be met.

In a statement, the team said: “We have appreciated the enthusiasm from the Dallas City Manager, elected officials and the broader community to keep the team in Dallas.”

The statement continued: “The Valley View site meets most of the criteria established at the outset of our evaluation process. It is our goal to stay in the City of Dallas, and we believe this site provides the strongest opportunity to achieve that goal.”

The team also outlined its broader vision for the development, stating: “We have the opportunity to create a vibrant mixed-use destination anchored by a state-of-the-art arena, along with restaurants, entertainment options, public green spaces and family-friendly experiences.”

The statement added: “Done thoughtfully and with community engagement, a project of this scale will serve as a meaningful economic catalyst for Dallas and its residents. We believe in Dallas, and our priority has been clear from the beginning: keeping the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas.”

Valley View is not the only site under consideration, as team governor Patrick Dumont is the chairman of Las Vegas Sands, which owns 259 acres in Irving.

Irving is technically not within Dallas city limits, though it sits slightly closer to downtown than the Valley View location does.

The Mavericks have been based in downtown Dallas for the past 46 years, making any relocation a landmark moment for the franchise.

The post Dallas Mavericks Reach Preliminary Agreement To Build New Arena At Valley View Site appeared first on Gooner Daily.